Taliban Attack Pakistani Border Positions in Khost amid Rising Tensions

DID Press: Taliban forces launched a pre-emptive assault on Pakistani military positions along the eastern border late Tuesday night, amid rapidly escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Local sources reported heavy fighting and the destruction of at least one Pakistani armored tank as clashes continuing across several border sectors.

Mostaghfar Gurbaz, spokesperson of Taliban-appointed governor in Khost province, said Taliban troops attacked Pakistani army positions in Palotsi area of Zazai Maidan district to repel what they described as an imminent Pakistani offensive.

He called the operation a defensive measure in response to “recent provocations” by Pakistani forces along the Durand Line, adding that Taliban border units are “fully prepared to respond decisively to any aggression.”

The latest clashes come just days after Pakistani warplanes conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan territory, targeting Taliban positions in Nangarhar and Kandahar provinces — strikes that prompted retaliatory cross-border attacks by Taliban fighters on Pakistani outposts.

Local sources in Khost said fighting remained ongoing as of Wednesday, with clashes spreading to Shorabak district in Kandahar and parts of Nangarhar province. No official casualty figures have been released, but reports indicate significant damage to Pakistani military equipment, including the destruction of one armored tank.

Analysts warn that continued hostilities can destabilize border regions and threaten major regional infrastructure projects, including rail links and trade corridors connecting South and Central Asia.